ZAMBOANGA CITY: Security forces clashed with pro-Islamic State (IS) rebels while trying to capture members of the Dawlah Islamiya in the restive Muslim province of Maguindanao del Sur, Philippine Army officials said on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

Lt. Col. Dennis Almorato, a spokesman for the 6th Infantry Division, said policemen, backed by soldiers, were about to serve arrest warrants in a suspected terrorist hideout against at least 10 rebels wanted on various criminal charges when the gunmen attacked them, sparking a firefight in the village of Tabungao in Radjah Buayan town early Wednesday.